have only tossed 2 watches in 25 years of collecting but it does happen. both were in the $100-$150 rage new. on the flip side, i currently have a 10 year only Seiko 5 that was $90 new and it's still running fine. i'm under $10/year on this watch and it's only going lower. will have zero regrets and throw it away if/when it does bite the dust.

for some of the watches you mention ($300 and up), the decision might be tougher?. haven't had to make such a call yet but am pretty sure the end result would be the same (toss it and move on)

In collecting vintage watches it's quite common for the service/repair costs to exceed the purchase price of a watch. That doesn't necessarily mean it exceeds the value of the watch, either monetarily or to a collector. With the vintage pieces I aim to have them serviced when acquired. In fact, most of them need to be serviced when acquired as they generally aren't running well due to lack of servicing or poor repairs, or don't run at all and were acquired as non-runners. Such purchases are entered into understanding this is the way of things.

For more modern watches of low to moderate value I will also aim to have them serviced as required at some time. They may need to wait in line, but that's the aim if I desire to keep using them.

My father used to wear Timex watches and his theory was that they were cheap enough that when they stopped he tossed them and bought a new one. Personally I haven't been in the position where I needed to make that choice.

If a watch needs service and you don't want have it done you could give it away to someone who enjoys tinkering or you could, as I do, put it in its own little plastic bag and into a cardboard box labeled "Watches I might learn how to repair someday". You never know. :)

I had the same happen with Citizen in Dallas. They replaced the movement which included the face on an old Eco Drive, new hands, and a light buff it ended up looking like a new watch.

I understand the theme of the post. Bought a Seiko SARG009 and a Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical both below $500 each and will need to find a place to service them when needed that is super super reasonable. When I was shopping for them my goal was to buy quartz and I did not.

Eugene

Life happens. We react. We adjust accordingly. We change, but we still remain the same.

I'm not sure if I can post his name or servicing prices here, but with my local watchmaker it's a fraction of what most brands and independent service companies charge. If he can service a Breguet complication, he can service just about anything.

I had two good local watchmakers in LA CA, now I am at loss who to trust with high end and complicates watches.

As per service cost I have a Russian Pilot chronograph with a inner rotating scale and with a great telemeter scale, some call it flash bang artillery scale, or good for gauging lighting distance. I got it in early 90's at a NAWCC show in Pasadena CA for $90. It would cost $400 to service it, but replacements are about $650 now. Wow.